Having now spent almost a year on the road non-stop while my house and community goes through a major restoration, renovation and upgrade process I pretty much have mastered the art of working anywhere.
Here some tips that go beyond simply making technology work for us.
1. Don’t be cheap
2. Don’t try to cut corners
3. Be savvy, but spend wisely
4. Stay in boutique hotels like those found in TabletHotels.com or properties where you can create a relationship with the hotel GM and staff as they treat you better.
5. Don’t fly economy for flights over 4 hours. Flying business or first class means your body feels better for it and your mind is sharper.
6. For stays of over four nights consider a corporate apartment with living room and kitchen. You don’t get cabin fever and you also feel more like you’re not on vacation.
7. For places you visit regularly, buy a pre-paid SIM card, avoid roaming rates. If you visit multiple countries get a travel sim from SIM4TRAVEL or MaxRoam. If you are in WiFi environments a lot, get an account with client Truphone. Bottom line is you will save money and be more connected.
8. I can’t stress enough the value of well made, well constructed baggage and bags. I prefer Eagle Creek, Swiss Army (Victorinox) and Crumpler, but am always on the look out for more brands or unique one offs like those from Mandarina Duck and Waterfield Design.
9. Shoes-forget about just looking good. Be comfortable. My brand and shoe of choice is the 1803 slip on loafer. I’ve worn them now for almost three years and find them great for dress wear, tradeshow walking or just wandering anywhere. They’re never out of place and they are SOOOO incredibly comfy.
10. When traveling with colleagues rent a two bedroom two bath apartment. You’ll collaborate more and find that you end up learn more about each other.
11. Include your spouse when you can. My wife can get around well on her own. By day I’m working. At night, we’re dining and spending time together.
12. Enjoy the airline clubs. Nothing beats the Virgin Clubhouse in London’s Heathrow airport where you can get a haircut, shave and massage, eat like a king or queen and work over WiFi. But other clubs have their benefits, but most of all you not standing around near the gate waiting for your flight, plus you’re more relaxed. Travel is stressful enough.
13. Take you vitamins, carry you meds and use anti-infamatories if you need them. I’m a believer in some homeopathic solutions but I also carry and take Advil. For some reason it helps me relieve muscle stiffness from carry bags and sitting in a confined space too long, and overcoming the occasional bad bed.
14. Socks and under garments. My wife gets credit for this. Find a local discount store like Burlington Coat factory and buy as you travel and toss away old stuff. It’s cheaper than buying full retail or paying for hotel laundry.
15. Walking, Cabs and Public Transit-if the weather is good, walk. If you’re carrying things take a cab. If you just need to go point to point and don’t have to change too often use public transit. In London and Paris the underground/Tube or Metro are fantastic. So is the subway in Madrid and Lisbon as are trains in most of Europe. In the USA I prefer to rent cars and drive, take the Amtrak to avoid traffic jams or use a hired driver and car service when it’s more than me or I’m going one way. Why? I can get work done. Lots of work. You may pay more than you think a hired car and driver is excessive, but its both safer and much more relaxing.